A new Nintendo Console means new things that we can do with it. The Switch 2 is obviously an iteration on the original, and as such includes the vast majority of the same features. But there’s also plenty of new stuff to be excited about. We’re only two weeks away from launch, so it won’t be long before I get to try these things out.

The first thing I want to bring up is GameChat. This is hardly a revolutionary feature. We’ve had voice chat on other platforms for ages, and even in a limited sense on the Nintendo Wii with the Wii Speak microphone. But this is the first time we’ve had it fully integrated into a Nintendo console, and having a built in microphone as well as a dedicated GameChat button makes it easy to get going. As someone who has friends who live in different states that I play Switch with, I’m really happy to have this. And with a camera, we’ll be able to see each other while swearing at Mario Party Jamboree.

Speaking of playing games with friends in other states, I’m really hopeful for GameShare. I don’t know how well it’s going to work over the internet, but the idea of being able to play multiplayer games online with my friends that don’t own the game seems incredible. This is one that I could see not working out as well, depending on how it works. Am I streaming the game over the internet to my friend, or are they downloading a temporary copy on their end? This could either be incredible or a big bummer, but I’m excited to give it a try.

One of the more obvious ones is mouse controls. If they turn out to be as good as they could be, this could be a real game changer for first person games on console. We’ll know for sure when Metroid Prime 4 comes out. Could also be great for real time strategy games. The only thing I’m worried about is how well it will work when not at a desk. I’ve seen in previews for Drag X Drive that the mouse sensor works just fine on your pants, which is cool, but is there enough room to do a full range of movement? I’m excited to find out.

And finally, there’s the classic GameCube games. I had serious doubts that we would ever get GameCube games on the Nintendo Switch Online service, it always seemed like individual remasters would be more likely. Especially since we got GameCube remasters on the original Switch, like Metroid Prime Remastered, Pikmin 1+2, and Super Mario Sunshine included in 3D Allstars. But here we are, with three games available at launch. All three are exciting, but I can’t wait for some of the ones that have been announced that I’ve never played before, like Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness and Chibi-Robo.

So that’s what I’m excited for with the Switch 2. That’s the majority of the new stuff, but all of it sounds great to me. What do you all think?